Posted on: July 16, 2011

GURU POORNIMA CELEBRATIONS – 2011

The Sacred Ceremony of the Unveiling of the Maha Samadhi

Guru Poornima 2011 marked a historic occasion in the holy hamlet of Puttaparthi. Devotees have been thronging Prasanthi Nilayam in large numbers for the last few days with one pure purpose in their hearts - to have the sacred darshan of theMahasamadhi.
Ever since the construction began, the entire veranda area of the Sai Kulwant Hall that has been blessed with His physical divine presence for more than 60 years, had been cordoned off. Thus it was with great anticipation and devotion that the devotees waited to have a glimpse of this sacred space that is so dear to them.

At 8 a.m sharp, the red velvet curtains gently parted. It unveiled a beautiful marbled Mahasamadhi, vibrant with the love and dedication of not only those who had worked for it but also millions for whom Baba is the very breath of life.

The elegance of the edifice lay in its ethereal simplicity. Spontaneously it aroused awe, wonder and reverence in every devotee's heart. One felt that Baba was very much there responding to their prayers and love. The fulfillment on the faces of the multitude said it all.

Experience this for yourself as you watch below the proceedings of this memorable occasion:

Having seen the first part, now you know why Swami stressed on His students being His property; they seem to carry all His properties - love, innocence and truthfulness - and even as they relive their days with Swami, one cannot help but feel that Bhagawan is seated right there on the dais enjoying His students' programme.

Bhagawan had also blessed the day with two distinguished speakers. The first was Mr. Leonardo Gutter, a member of the Prashanthi Council and one of the founding members of the Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Argentina. He shared how the Sai movement has so magnificently and mysteriously captured the hearts of thousands in Latin America. When he shared his personal experiences and profound divine interactions with Bhagawan, the audience were thrilled.

Mr. Nimish Pandya, a member of the Council of Management, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Maharastra was the second speaker. In his inspiring talk he elaborated on the true legacies of Swami and finally urged one and all to live every breath of their lives for the only meaningful purpose - Swami.

Watch below these two enlivening speeches and the concluding ceremony of this historic day:

Any number of times Swami has told us that He is above us, below us, in us and around us, always. God, our Sadguru, is closer to us than our own shadow, for God is the Indweller. Let us hold on to these words firmly in our hearts and strengthen our faith and conviction. Let us feel Him in our hearts every moment of our lives and become beacons of His Love and Message. JaiSaiRam.